Space Heating Systems

The technology that is used to heat the space inside the dwelling may have performance issues – it may be possible to consider installing boilers with higher efficiency and for this purpose the SEDBUK database is invaluable (see Boilers). The fuel upon which the space heating system runs will also have a significant effect on the SAP calculation.  For the purposes of SAP, at this time gas provides a better rating than electricity because the adverse effect of its production on the environment is not as bad as that of electricity produced via coal-fired power stations.  The argument between using Coal and Nuclear to produce electricity is another issue altogether.  Currently in the UK the majority of electricity is regarded as being generated by fossil fuel (coal fired) powered stations. 

At the present this means that gas usage creates a lower emission level in the SAP calculation that electric systems.  Because of the increased adverse effect of electricity on the overall SAP rating, improved building fabric and air tightness are often required to achieve compliance.  However, this will possibly reverse as technology progresses.  Electricity paves the way to the foreseeable future, via windmills, wave power, and Photo-voltaic cells.  More economical and environmentally friendly systems for producing electricity, both at national and individual level, are continually being researched.  It must also be kept in mind that gas is a fossil fuel and as such has a limited life, though how long it will last is not certain.   Whilst the cost of new technology is at present fairly high, even now that is being weighed against the carbon footprint and long term running cost of the dwellings in certain developments.

• Thermal Properties
• Thermal Mass
• Thermal Bridging
• Cylinders & Measured Heat Loss
• Dimensions
• Boilers & SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency Database of Boilers in the UK)
• Ventilation Systems & the Appendix Q database
• Solar Gains
• Insulation
• Space Heating Systems
• Water Heating Systems
• Low Carbon Power Souces
• Condensation & Dewpoint Analysis
• Heat Pumps